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How can we introduce a new puppy into the family?
Choosing a housemate that will be compatible with your current dog is an
important consideration for anyone thinking about expanding their family. Before
bringing home that cute little puppy or adorable mutt from the local shelter
take some time to evaluate the personality, training and history of your current
dog(s) and the one that you are considering. Some thoughtful reflection now can
spare you unnecessary headaches later.
If your dog is active and outgoing, adopt a
dog with similar qualities. If your dog is quiet and more reserved, look for a
dog that will compliment this type of lifestyle. Try to find out as much
information from the adopting agency as possible. Most shelters and rescue
groups have some form of temperament testing used to evaluate the dogs in their
charge. Look to see that the adoptable dog has been around other dogs before.
Most dogs have to “learn” how to get along with each other. If the dog you are
considering has not been socialized properly, it might be best to consider
another dog with better social skills. The same goes for your own dog. Even
though we tend to think otherwise, it's generally not a good idea to get your
current dog a "pet". If and when you do decide to bring a second (or third or
fourth) home, make sure you are doing it for you!
Steps For Introducing New Dogs To Current
Family Dogs:
1) Don't force your "home team" dog to protect their home turf. If the dogs meet
in a neutral location, they are less likely to view the other as an intruder.
Start in a neutral zone such as a neighbor's fenced in yard or enclosed park
that your resident dog has not visited. Each dog should be on a leash and
handled by a separate person.
2) Positive reinforcement works. You want your dogs to have positive experiences
with each other right from the start. Let your dogs sniff each other and greet
each other normally. Give them positive reinforcement through calm verbal
affirmations. After letting them play for a while, put both dogs in a "sit" or
"stay", then let them interact again. Finally, take them on walks together,
allowing them to sniff each other along the way.
3) Play close attention the both dog's body posture. Watch out for body postures
that show a defensive response. Defensive body postures include hair standing up
the back, teeth-baring, deep growls, a stiff legged gait or a prolonged stare.
If a dog goes into these postures, immediately switch into positive
reinforcement mode and get your dog to follow your teachings. Let your dogs
interact again, shorten the distance between the two.
4) Once your dogs seem to be tolerating each other, it's time to bring them
home. Whether they ride in the same car or not is really a judgment call on how
well you think they are getting along and the size of your car or SUV. We have
found that allowing the new dog to enter the home first can reduce the chance of
your family dog feeling that they need to "protect their turf".
Special Advice For Helping New Puppies Get Along With Adult Dogs
As anyone with a puppy can tell you, they can often be a handful. Also, because
puppies are still learning, they usually wind up bothering adult dogs to no end.
Puppies simply have trouble recognizing that their actions are bothering adult
dogs. Most adult dogs with good temperaments will growl or snarl at recklessly
playful puppies in order to set boundaries of acceptable behavior. This is
normal and is actually a positive thing. However, never allow a puppy and an
adult dog to be left alone together, for the safety of both dogs. Also give your
adult dog plenty of time away from the puppy, and try to give them some quality
time alone with you and your family whenever time permits.
Never allow your puppy and the adult dog to eat out of the same bowl, as this
may lead to resource guarding. Feeding each dog in a separate crate is a great
way to keep food fights to a minimum. This is also true if you give your dogs
raw bones or chews.
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